Most of us take the web for granted. Click, scroll, read, buy—everything just works. But for millions of people in Europe and beyond, the online world isn’t always this simple. Web accessibility isn’t just a technical requirement. It’s about making sure everyone can use your website, regardless of their abilities. And with the European Accessibility Act taking effect, accessibility is no longer optional for most businesses—it’s a legal must-have.

But beyond compliance, there are powerful ethical and business reasons to get this right. Let’s explore what web accessibility really means, why it matters for your business, and how you can start implementing it today—no matter where your site stands now.

What Is Web Accessibility?

At its core, web accessibility means designing and building websites so people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with them—just like anyone else. Disabilities may be visual (blindness, low vision), auditory (deafness, hearing loss), motor (difficulty using a mouse), cognitive (dyslexia, memory), or even temporary (broken arm, noisy environment).

Accessibility is about removing barriers, not just for those with permanent disabilities, but for anyone who might face challenges using your site. The more usable your site, the better the experience for everyone.

The European Accessibility Act: What You Need to Know

Here’s where it gets serious for European businesses. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) sets new, harmonized standards for accessibility across the EU. From June 2025, most online products and services—including websites and e-commerce platforms—must be accessible to people with disabilities.

Who does the EAA affect?

• E-commerce websites and apps
• Online banking
• E-books
• Ticketing services
• Public sector sites (already covered by earlier regulations)
• Many private businesses, including SMEs, if they offer digital services

What happens if you ignore it? Non-compliance can lead to complaints, lost contracts, reputational damage, and even fines—depending on national implementation. But most importantly, you risk shutting out a large segment of your potential audience.

Why Accessibility Is Good for Business (Not Just Compliance)

Let’s be honest—legal compliance is rarely the most inspiring reason to take action. But accessibility delivers tangible business value too:

1. Reach a Wider Audience Nearly 1 in 5 people in Europe has some form of disability. That’s millions of potential customers who might not be able to use your site if it isn’t accessible.

2. Boost SEO and Performance Google rewards websites that are well-structured, fast, and easy to use. Many accessibility best practices—like semantic HTML, image alt text, and logical heading structure—are also SEO boosters.

3. Improve User Experience for Everyone Accessible sites tend to be clearer, more navigable, and work better on all devices—including mobile and voice assistants.

4. Protect Your Reputation Customers, partners, and even search engines increasingly expect brands to take accessibility seriously. A site that excludes people can harm your reputation, even if you avoid legal trouble.

5. Future-Proof Your Site Standards evolve, but if you build with accessibility in mind, you’re less likely to face expensive retrofits down the road.

Ethical Responsibility: The Right Thing To Do

Business benefits aside, making the web accessible is just the right thing to do. The internet was meant to connect people, not exclude them. Whether you’re a freelancer, a growing business, or a global brand, accessibility reflects your values.

Actionable Web Accessibility Best Practices

So, how do you actually make your website accessible? You don’t need to be an expert in every disability or regulation to make real progress. Here’s where to start:

1. Use Semantic HTML

• Structure your pages with proper heading tags (<h1>, <h2>, etc.).
• Use lists (<ul>, <ol>, <li>) and landmarks (<nav>, <main>, <footer>) to help screen readers understand content.
• Avoid using divs and spans for things that should be links, buttons, or headings.

2. Provide Text Alternatives

• Add descriptive alt text to all images (not just “image” or “photo”).
• Use captions or transcripts for video and audio content.
• Make sure all icons and graphics have clear meaning for those who can’t see them.

3. Ensure Keyboard Accessibility

• All interactive elements—menus, buttons, forms—must be usable without a mouse.
• Avoid hover-only interactions. Make sure users can tab through your content in a logical order.
• Provide visible focus indicators so users can see where they are on the page.

4. Choose Accessible Colors and Contrast

• Text and background colors must have enough contrast. Use free tools like WebAIM Contrast Checker to verify.
• Don’t use color alone to convey meaning (e.g., error messages should use icons or text, not just red coloring).

5. Label Forms Clearly

• Use clear, visible labels for all form fields.
• Provide helpful error messages and hints.
• Make sure forms are keyboard navigable and screen reader friendly.

6. Use ARIA Landmarks When Needed

• ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles can help assistive tech interpret complex layouts, but don’t overuse them. Start with native HTML first.

7. Test with Real Users and Tools

• Automated tools (like axe, WAVE, or browser extensions) can catch many issues.
• Manual testing is critical. Try using your site with only a keyboard. Enable screen readers like NVDA (Windows) or VoiceOver (Mac).
• If possible, get feedback from users with disabilities.

8. Make Accessibility Part of Your Process

• Don’t wait until launch to check accessibility. Build it into your design and development workflow.
• Document standards for your team or agency.
• Stay updated with evolving guidelines (like WCAG—the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).

Accessibility Myths—Busted

“Accessibility is only for big businesses.” Not true. Small businesses have legal obligations too, especially if you sell or serve customers in the EU.

“It’s too expensive or complicated.” Many fixes (like proper headings, alt text, and colors) are quick wins. Planning for accessibility upfront is far cheaper than retrofitting later.

“I can just use an overlay or widget.” Automated overlays rarely solve the root problems and may even create new ones. Real accessibility comes from thoughtful design and code.

How Webshore Can Help You Build an Accessible Website

At Webshore, accessibility isn’t an afterthought—it’s baked into every project from day one. Whether you need a new website, a redesign, or an accessibility audit for your existing site, I can help you:

• Evaluate your site against the latest European and WCAG standards
• Fix common issues and implement best practices
• Train your team on maintaining accessibility long-term
• Future-proof your site for changing laws and expectations

Not sure where your site stands? Let’s chat about a free accessibility check or tailored action plan.

Wrapping Up: Accessible by Design

Making your website accessible isn’t just about checking legal boxes. It’s about respecting your audience, strengthening your business, and building a web that works for everyone. The European Accessibility Act might be the nudge some businesses need, but the real reward is a better, more inclusive internet—and a site you can be proud of.

Ready to take the first step? Start with a few quick wins, and build accessibility into your roadmap. You’ll be ahead of the curve—and opening your doors to a bigger, more loyal audience.

Want to know how your website measures up, or need help making it accessible for everyone? Get in touch for a consultation or accessibility audit.